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Former Oral Roberts player invited to USL Pro Combine

USL Pro is holding its eighth annual combine on Jan. 23, and the league announced 100 participants who have received an invite.

Among the list of more than 450 applicants is defender Craig Rogers, who last fall finished his collegiate career at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa. The Liverpool, England, native, also plays midfield and started 16 of the 17 games he played in, scoring three goals.

Rogers transferred from Cloud County Community College (Concordia, Kan.) after his sophomore season and now begins his quest to playing soccer professionally. He also played for Springfield in the Premiere Development League, which is run by USL.

Rogers played in seven games for the Springfield Demize, all as a defender. He played more than 600 minutes, logging one assist.

The combine, which will be held at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., is a chance for teams to fill out their rosters before the 2014 season begins in late March. The league is hoping to release a schedule later this month.

Oklahoma City Energy FC will have its new coaching staff at the combine to evaluate players — the newest team in USL Pro doesn’t have any players yet. The recently announced partnership with Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City will allow for the two teams to share players to fill some roster spots.

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by Erik Horne

Online Sports Editor

Erik Horne joined The Oklahoman as a sports web editor/producer in September 2013, following a five-year stint at The Ardmoreite (Ardmore) – first as a sports writer, then sports editor. At The Ardmoreite, Horne reported on everything from prep...